Getting Processed: The 76ers’ two All-Star locks
To say the 76ers have been “bad” in recent years would be an insult to the word bad. They epitomized atrocity. Their last All-Star was Jrue Holiday in 2012-13. They haven’t cracked 35 wins or made the playoffs since the year prior to that. But this was all part of Sam Hinkie’s plan.
His vision was clear: bottom out to secure top draft picks — the best chance of finding and retaining superstars — to build a championship contender. Residing in the morass of being a postseason patsy was worse than missing the playoffs. It spat in the face of the traditionalist competitive balance, but Hinkie channeled the credo of Ricky Bobby. Ultimately, if you’re not first, you’re last.
While the approach wasn’t always foolproof (see Okafor, Jahlil), Philly’s reward for being patient is finally being reaped. The 76ers now deploy two blossoming superstars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, and are building an exciting, rising power in the league. Assuming they both *knocks on every piece of wood in a 30-foot radius, preemptively throws salt over shoulder* stay healthy, Embiid and Simmons are mortal locks to make this year’s All-Star team.
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Already a social media luminary and world-class trash-talker, Embiid showed on the court he’s the basketball nerd’s wetdream of talent, size and skill. He deploys the Hakeem Olajuwon starter kit in the post while extending his range past the 3-point line. The only thing holding him back is a robust injury history. His bill of health has been a Greek tragedy thus far in his young career. (Embiid was held out of action on Dec. 10 with back stiffness, so 76ers fans will hold their collective breath. Hopefully, it turns out to be nothing.)
Embiid’s small sample size of last season was spellbinding. His numbers jumped off the stat sheet and this season validates everything we saw. While the team still handles him with care, he’s looked sturdy, playing 30.2 minutes per game and putting up 23.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.0 blocks.
Simmons has also been a flat-out revelation. After an uninspiring run at LSU and redshirting his first year after breaking his foot, the outlook around him was murky. Now he’s the frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year — and probably by a comfortable margin.
He’s averaging 17.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 2.2 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. Amazingly, his most impressive stat is what he hasn’t done. On the season, Simmons has only attempted eight threes (all of which have been heaves at the end of quarters) AND MADE ZERO OF THEM. Players in today’s game are basically shunned if they can’t space the floor. Simmons is succeeding in spite of his lack of shooting. Partially why he excels is being an athletic, 6-foot-10 point guard who makes passes like this. Another reason is pulling out shots like this and this. Those running jump hooks are sheer majesty. Whenever he unleashes one, I’m left mouth agape like I’m seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time.
Together, Embiid and Simmons make up two of the three 76ers with a positive +/- number this season. Their play has been so tremendous, people are making superhero mashups about them:
With the summer’s manifest destiny to the Western Conference, the East was expected to look like a glorified G-League by comparison. But instead of gloaming penury, new stars arose and used the opportunity as a chance to shine.
The mass exodus opened up four spots from the East’s roster last year: Jimmy Butler reunited with Thibs in Minnesota. Paul Millsap chased a Rocky Mountain high and went to Denver; Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were shipped to Oklahoma City, with Anthony now answering existential questions about coming off the bench. Then adding in Isaiah Thomas’ absence with his hip injury bumps it up to five vacancies.
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, and DeMar DeRozan all started last season and are guarantees to hammer the ballots again. Kristaps Porzingis will probably be the fifth starter behind a wave of New York momentum and bringing the Knicks back to relevancy.
That leaves the seven reserve positions and a surprisingly tough field of candidates. Kevin Love, Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker, and John Wall all made it last year and would have the first crack at reclaiming their stakes. Wall’s been on the shelf since Thanksgiving, but as long as he doesn’t miss too many more games he should be in. Love’s durability while nearly averaging a 20/10 should be enough for him too.
Walker’s percentages dipped from last season, but he’s getting to the line more and he maintained stasis with his overall numbers. He’s probably punching a ticket to Los Angeles in February. I’m not so sure about Lowry though. Despite the Raptors excelling, Lowry’s scoring numbers are down. Unless he goes on a scoring binge, I say he’s out.
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Now we’re down to four. Victor Oladipo’s break out this season will probably earn him a spot, especially if he has games like he did on Sunday night. Andre Drummond’s resurgence, along with Detroit playing like a top-4 playoff seed should give him a place at the table too.
Boston might deserve to command a second spot with their sterling record, but neither Al Horford or Jayson Tatum’s surface numbers are flashy enough. Apologies to Bradley Beal, Dennis Schroder, Khris Middleton, Tobias Harris, Goran Dragic, and Orlando’s trio of Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Nikola Vucevic. All have cases to be made, but none have the requisite juice to get them there.
Philadelphia’s two stars have better résumés than any of those names previously mentioned. Given the 76ers rise on the shoulders of Embiid and Simmons, I think it’s safe to reserve the final pair of All-Star invitations for the city of brotherly love.
Just remember, Hinkie died for this.